Premier Li Keqiang said he hopes Malaysian industrial and commercial sectors will make the most of opportunities for cooperation between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Countries (ASEAN) during a meeting with Malaysia’s business leaders in Kuala Lumpur on Nov 23.

The meeting came a day after the signing of an upgraded protocol of the free trade agreement between China and the ASEAN which is a milestone for the development of China-ASEAN economic relations.

Premier Li hailed traditional friendship, political ties and cultural exchanges between China and Malaysia and said that mutual trade and investment between the two countries are in the forefront of economic exchanges between China and ASEAN countries.

He hopes that Malaysian business sectors will make a contribution to China-Malaysia ties in terms of politics, economy and culture amid improved cooperation between China and ASEAN.

The Premier also noted that Malaysia’s development strategy resonates with China’s “mass entrepreneurship and innovation” and both countries can build platforms for cooperation between small- and medium-sized companies.

China is willing to make joint efforts in stabilizing the financial market, promoting mutual investment and financing and advancing bilateral economic and trade relations, he said.

Business leaders noted that China and Malaysia are close friends and economic cooperation constantly injects energy to the development of bilateral relations.

They are glad to see the development of China’s economy and are willing to take part in the “ Belt and Road Initiative” and the coordination between the two countries’ development strategies.

They also hope the negotiations on the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership could be concluded as soon as possible.